Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival
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Saturday 9th May 2026 marks the return of the Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival, a beloved community celebration of spring, folklore, and local heritage. Held in the picturesque Westbury Gardens by the River Avon, this lively free festival invites visitors of all ages to enjoy a day filled with music, dance, costumes and creativity. From the colourful procession led by the iconic Jack in the Green to the cheerful melodies of traditional folk bands, the festival is a joyful showcase of the town's vibrant spirit and welcoming atmosphere.
A highlight of the day is the grand procession led by Jack in the Green (and his partner Jill), towering figures bedecked in foliage and flowers. They weave through the town alongside colourful Morris dancers and folk musicians, filling the streets with lively rhythms, laughter and colour. Throughout the day, dozens of visiting dance groups and traditional performers offer spirited demonstrations of folk customs – from Morris and maypole dances to Celtic drumming. With live music drifting through multiple stages and corners of the gardens, there is always something happening around the next bend, ensuring the air is alive with celebration.
Browsing through the festival market is one of the day's pleasures. Dozens of stalls run by local artisans line the gardens, offering handmade jewellery, crafts, clothing and beautiful folklore-themed gifts. You might find colourful crystals, herbal teas, candles, folk art and books about nature and mythology among the curios. Meanwhile, food and drink vendors tempt the crowd with tasty treats and local specialities – from artisanal cheese and fresh juices to hearty pies, burgers and sweet pastries. A nearby cafe and bar offers tea, coffee and even locally brewed ale, providing the perfect spot to recharge. With music drifting overhead and the River Avon just beyond, it is easy to relax with a snack in hand while soaking up the festival atmosphere.
The festival is especially great for families. A dedicated funfair and children's activity area keep younger visitors entertained. Kids can join maypole games, folk dance workshops or puppet shows scheduled throughout the day. There is face painting, mask-making and craft activities to spark creativity, and friendly performers who wander the grounds entertaining children with juggling, magic tricks and sing-alongs. These activities ensure even the smallest attendees have a magical time soaking up the festival's springtime spirit.
The entire town comes alive during the festival, and many local shops and pubs get into the spirit by decorating their windows in green or hosting live music of their own. Best of all, this community-run event has free admission for everyone, making it easy to join in the fun. Whether you are a folklore enthusiast or just looking for a lively outing, bring a little green to wear and get ready to celebrate. With music, colour, and laughter around every corner, the Green Man Festival provides a magical spring day that truly captures the charm of Bradford on Avon.
By car, Bradford on Avon is conveniently located off the A363, a short drive south from Junction 17 of the M4 (signposted for Bath). It is also accessible via the A36 from the north or via Trowbridge to the south. Once in the town, look for public car parks (for example, the Station or Church Street car parks); however, spaces can fill up quickly on busy festival days. If parking is limited, consider parking on the outskirts of town or in nearby Bath and then taking a short train or bus ride into Bradford on Avon. The rural roads winding through the Wiltshire countryside make for a scenic drive if you are coming from nearby towns.
Bradford on Avon is served by its own railway station on the Great Western main line. Regular trains connect the town with Bath Spa (just minutes away) and with Westbury and Trowbridge to the east. For example, trains from London Paddington reach Bath Spa in about 90 minutes, followed by a quick 10-minute local train to Bradford on Avon. If you are arriving by air, Bristol Airport is about 25 miles west – you can take the airport bus to Bristol Temple Meads and then a train via Bath Spa. London’s airports connect via train to Bath Spa (for instance via Reading or Heathrow), and from there the local line to Bradford on Avon. Always check current schedules on National Rail or GWR to plan your journey, as weekend services may differ.
Local bus services also link Bradford on Avon with neighboring towns. Stagecoach operates regular routes between Bath, Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge, providing an easy link if you are coming from Bath Spa station or the wider region. Keep in mind that weekend or evening service may be less frequent, so check timetables (for example on the Stagecoach South West website) before your trip. Long-distance coach operators like National Express and Megabus stop in Bath; from there you can switch to a local bus or train into Bradford on Avon.
The nearest major airport is Bristol Airport (about 25 miles west), which is well-connected by road and public transport. From Bristol Airport you can take the shuttle bus or a taxi to Bristol Temple Meads, then a train through Bath Spa to Bradford on Avon. London Heathrow Airport is around 80 miles east; a practical public-transport route is to take a train from Heathrow (via Reading or London Paddington) into Bath Spa, then change for the short train ride to Bradford on Avon. Other options include flying into Bristol or London and taking a coach to Bath, then continuing by rail or bus.
Accommodation in and around Bradford on Avon ranges from charming guesthouses to modern hotels, but it tends to book up well in advance of the festival. The town itself offers cozy B&Bs, inns and self-catering cottages within easy walking distance of the festival site. A quick train ride away in Bath there is a wider choice of hotels – from historic boutique inns to familiar hotel chains – as well as additional parking and park-and-ride options. Nearby villages and countryside B&Bs can also provide a scenic alternative. Wherever you stay, be sure to book early and allow extra travel time on the festival morning, as local roads and trains may be busier than usual.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Castle Inn | 0.5 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| Great Ashley Farm B&B | 0.7 ml | £79.00 | Book | |
| Best Western Leigh Park Hotel Bath | 0.8 ml | £75.60 | Book | |
| Beeches Farmhouse Farmyard B&B & Pig Wig Self Catering Holiday Cottages | 1.3 ml | £49.00 | Book | |
| Stowford Mill Bed and Breakfast | 2.3 ml | £90.00 | Book | |
| Best Western Limpley Stoke Hotel Bath | 2.4 ml | £61.56 | Book | |
| The Tollgate Inn | 2.4 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| Waterhouse Bath | 2.8 ml | £68.00 | Book | |
| Manor House Bath | 2.9 ml | £95.00 | Book | |
| The Polebarn | 3.2 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| Tucking Mill View | 3.2 ml | £115.00 | Book | |
| Brooks View | 3.2 ml | £98.00 | Book | |
| Fishermen s Retreat | 3.3 ml | £110.00 | Book | |
| Rose & Crown | 3.5 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| Bath Lodge Castle | 3.7 ml | £120.00 | Book |
Bradford On Avon, Bradford on Avon, BA15
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